Episodes
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In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, securing enterprise contracts can be a game-changer for startups and tech firms alike. The journey to winning over Fortune 1000 clients requires strategic planning, tailored communication, and a deep understanding of the enterprise world. Drawing insights from venture capital experts, we explore the nuances of navigating enterprise sales and building successful relationships with top-tier clients.
In this episode, we sit with Theo Williams, the founder of Third Vector and an expert in venture capital specializing in the space technology industry. Theo shares his journey from a finance background to diving into the tech world, highlighting the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way. He delves into the importance of investing in the space technology industry and how it can drive significant global impact.If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Theo Williams is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in venture capital, strategic partnerships, and business development. As the Founder and Managing Partner at Third Vector, he spearheads an early-stage VC firm specializing in investments at the intersection of Space Tech and Big Data. Prior to founding Third Vector, Theo served as a Senior Portfolio Development Manager at Salesforce Ventures, where he played a key role in fortifying the enterprise ecosystem through strategic partnerships and investments. Before his tenure at Salesforce Ventures, Theo held positions in sales and investor relations at Cadre and in product development at Nuveen, a TIAA company. Throughout his career, Theo has demonstrated a commitment to driving growth and innovation in various sectors, leveraging his expertise in investment strategy and relationship management.
Theo holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rice Business - Jones Graduate School of Business, where he was recognized as a Robert Toigo Foundation Fellow. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Louisiana State University, where he demonstrated leadership as part of the Tiger Twelve Senior Recognition Class of 2012 and in various student government roles.
Time Stamps:
02:49: Theo’s journey from finance to tech
06:33 Understanding alternative investments
09:08 Transitioning to tech and angel investing
14:15 The birth of a space tech VC firm
21:37 Investment focus: Space data and infrastructure
24:22 Navigating the fundraising process
26:34 Aligning with founders and managing risk
31:43 Enterprise sales strategies for founders
37:49 Building for Enterprise vs. SMB
42:22 What’s coming new in 2024, and how to get in contact with the team
Resources
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-vector/
Theo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theowilliams3/
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In this episode we speak with Marlon Nichols, co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, who discusses his diverse career path from starting as an early employee at an enterprise software company, moving into consulting, and ultimately venturing into the world of venture capital. He explains the founding and growth of MaC Venture Capital, sharing insights into their investment thesis, sector focus, and the types of companies they seek to partner with. Marlon also provides invaluable advice for new fund managers and entrepreneurs, touching on the current fundraising landscape, strategies for success, and the importance of aligning with a firm's culture and team dynamics
MaC Venture Capital is a seed-stage venture firm that invests primarily in North America, with a focus on California. While the firm does not have a specific sector focus, it considers itself a generalist firm run by sector experts. Marlon explains that the common thread among their investments is a focus on popular culture and future trends. The firm seeks to identify emerging behaviors and trends early on and invest in companies that align with these shifts. This approach allows MaC Venture Capital to invest in a wide range of sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, digital health, and space and defense.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and managing general partner at MaC Venture Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in visionary founders building the future that the world wants to see. Marlon has an extensive background in technology, private equity, media and entertainment. His unique eye for global and cultural trends, along with shifts in consumer behavior, has helped him uplift and accelerate entrepreneurs and companies that are on the verge of their breakthrough moment. Some of his current and previous portfolio companies include Blavity, Faze Clan, FINESSE, Gimlet Media, LIT Videobooks, Mansa, MongoDB, Pipe, PureStream, Ryff, Solo Funds, Spill, Thrive Market, Wonderschool and others.
Thanks to his background as a professional athlete, Marlon utilizes sports leadership philosophy when working closely with CEOs to build the Venture of tomorrow. His diverse network of media and entertainment industry leaders, tech entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and sports professionals helps him develop strategic partnerships and promote brand expansions for his portfolio companies.Marlon serves on the board of directors for the Kauffman Fellows program, where he has been instrumental in growing the representation of underrepresented minorities. He also serves on the advisory board for Los Angeles Mayor’s office’s PledgeLA.
Marlon has been honored on the LA500 in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and ranked among top early stage investors on Business Insider’s Seed 100 for three consecutive years. He was also named Pitchbook’s 25 Black Founders and VCs to Watch for the last six years. Marlon has been featured in Axios, CNBC, Cheddar, The Information, Crunchbase News, Fortune, Yahoo! Finance and more.
Prior to MaC Venture Capital, Marlon was co-founder of Cross Culture Venture. He eventually enacted the merger with Adrian Fenty’s M Venture that resulted in MaC Venture Capital as it stands today. Prior to Cross Culture Venture, he served as an Investment Director at Intel Capital and earned hands-on experience as an operator himself. Marlon earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University and an MBA from the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, where he was also adjunct faculty in entrepreneurship and venture capital.Time Stamps:
02:57 Marlon's journey from early operator to VC founder
08:55 Venture capital as a path to diversity and strategic engagement
12:14 MaC Venture Capital investment thesis and strategies
16:25 Fundraising challenges and advice for new founders
21:04 Strategies for first-time fund managers targeting LPs
23:25 Fundraising realities for new VC managers
26:18 The multifaceted role of a founding general partner
28:56 Strategies for startups targeting successful exits
31:42 Evaluating seed stage investments
34:03 Venture capital’s shift to sustainable investment strategies
38:25 The impact of AI on business
41:40 What is coming up in 2024 and how to get in contact with MaC Venture Capital team
Resources
Company website: https://MaCventurecapital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MaCventurecap/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MaC-venture-capital/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaCVentureCap
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode we speak with Brandon Thorpe, a trailblazer in technology and entrepreneurship. From his early programming days to pivotal roles at Google AI and Apple, Brandon has redefined innovation in the tech world. Beyond his technological achievements, discover how his musical collaborations with Grammy winner Dallas Austin and the launch of his groundbreaking album 'Unicorn' showcase his diverse talents. Co-founder of Formless, Brandon is revolutionizing the internet through shared technology and smart contracts.
Learn about his vision for an equitable digital landscape, the origins of his passion for tech, and the challenges and successes he faced while raising funds for Formless. Explore the multifaceted world of a creative technologist committed to inspiring others and reshaping the future of digital communities.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Brandon Thorpe was a Staff engineer at Google AI, Senior engineer at Apple, self-taught programmer at 13 years old, featured in national media such as Forbes and WSJ, signed with Grammy Award winner Dallas Austin to release album "Unicorn", creator of Multi-Dream Theory with the idea that humans are capable of achieving excellence in multiple fields in parallel, co-founded Formless in 2022 aiming to illuminate true human purpose through technology by revolutionizing the internet with SHARE technology empowering common property ownership with smart contracts. Creative technologist with millions of streams and views across internet platforms. Formless was selected as one of around 30 companies from a pool of 8,000 to receive investment from a16z's CSX accelerator in 2023 and has since raised a multi-million dollar pre-seed round.
Time Stamps:
03:11 Brandon's journey from tech to music and back
12:52 Exploring the intersection of music, technology, and blockchain
15:27 Pain point that led to creating Formless
18:58 Redefining music distribution through blockchain
20:18 Blockchain as a nongovernment global computer.
23:02 Challenges and opportunities of music and blockchain
25:47 Redefining artist monetization and community building
30:52 Expanding Formless Beyond Music
34:04 Starting points and essential skills for building blockchain
38:31 Navigating the blockchain insights and opportunities
43:12 Engaging with the Formless Platform
45:08 Fundraising journey: strategies and lessons learned
51:56 What is coming up in 2024 and how to get in contact with the formless team
Resources
Company website: https://formless.xyz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formlessxyz/
Twitter: https://x.com/formless_xyz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/formlessxyz/ -
In this episode, we sit with Kevin Moore, the fund manager at Serac Ventures. Kevin shares his unconventional journey to venture capital. Starting with a degree in civil engineering, Kevin transitioned through roles as a financial advisor, a regulatory worker at the Federal Reserve Bank, and eventually into the VC world. He emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences and a curious mindset for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities. He discusses his methodology for investment selection and the significance of a disciplined approach across various investment mediums.
Kevin provides insights into the venture capital industry, highlighting the importance of understanding both the finance aspects and the operational challenges of startups, he also delves into the specifics of fundraising, offering advice on engaging with different types of investors, including foundations, endowments, family offices, and high net worth individuals. Furthermore, Kevin outlines the strategic focus of Serac Ventures on fintech, B2B SaaS, and commerce enablement solutions, emphasizing the fund's commitment to diversity and hands-on support for portfolio companies.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Kevin Moore is the Founder and Managing Partner at Serac Ventures. Kevin has over 18 years' experience in public and private markets investing having worked at Spur Capital Partners (VC FoF), i2E (VC Fund), Morgan Stanley, The Federal Reserve Bank, and Northwestern Mutual. Kevin is also the author of Starting Your Investment Fund: A How to Guide and he has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Time Stamps:
02:52 Kevin Moore’s unconventional paths to VC success
08:03 First steps into venture capital and the importance of background diversity
11:25 Embracing your role for personal and professional growth
13:08 Navigating the investment landscape: from LP to VC fund manager
18:33 Strategies for investment managers to engage with endowments
26:36 Challenges and strategies in fundraising for successive funds
28:06 Strategizing fund size for investment success
30:34 Financing GP commitments through fund distributions
32:33 Investment criteria and strategies at Serac Ventures
36:28 VC leverage expert networks for founders
38:24 Investment trends and predictions for 2024 and beyond
41:51 Dry powder and investment strategy in fund management
46:32 What is coming up for Serac VenturesResources
Company website: https://www.seracventures.vc/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SeracVentures
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serac-ventures-vcfund/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seracventures -
In this episode, we have a conversation with Justis Mendez, who is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of OneSixOne Ventures. Justis shares his journey from the tough streets of Cleveland to becoming a leading figure in the venture capital world. From experiencing the harsh realities of gang violence and incarceration to founding Qu Parking, an innovative startup that revolutionizes residential parking. We also delve into Justis's transition into the venture capital sphere and his role in building a robust tech ecosystem, tracing his path from his initial introduction to VC at OneSixOne Ventures.
During our conversation with Justis, he highlights the significance of making a positive impact through venture capital and offers valuable advice for aspiring founders. He emphasizes the importance of being authentic and having technical expertise. Justis also discusses the challenges of raising capital in Florida and their mission to support local founders and keep them in the state. Building a strong community and providing value to founders beyond just capital is also a key point that he talks about, sharing insights into their investment strategy, focusing on early-stage startups in the enterprise software and AI infrastructure space.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Justis was born and raised on the west side of Cleveland. He grew up around gang violence, drug traffickers, and drive-by shootings happening as often as one could imagine. Many of his childhood friends have been either gunned down or locked up in prison. His best friend even ended up on First 48 after being involved in the murder of a high-profile gang member they knew. Justis founded Qu Parking, an "Airbnb for residential parking" startup, and led business development for Pinata, a fintech startup based in NYC helping tenants earn rewards for paying rent. OneSixOne Ventures is a leading pre-seed venture capital firm in the Southeast that identifies and invests in enterprise software and government tech startups that are developing breakthrough dual-use technologies.
Time Stamps:
03:13 Justis Mendez’s background and introduction to VC
12:41 Building a tech ecosystem: The genesis of OneSixOne Ventures
17:05 Launching a virtual accelerator during the pandemic
19:12 Launching their fund after realizing the need for monetization
22:15 Making a positive impact through venture capital
24:24 The strategic focus on enterprise software and AI
26:56 Investing in pre-seed and seed stages with small checks
30:05 Joining the fund’s ecosystem and warm referrals as ways to connect with OneSixOne
34:20 Current state of the VC space and capital deployment
38:57 Plans and predictions for 2024
40:52 Advice for founders: Authenticity and technical expertise
44:06 Considerations when outsourcing technical development for AI
46:17 Upcoming events for 2024 and how to get in contact with the OneSixOne groupResources
Company website: https://www.onesixone.ventures/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesixoneventures/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesixonegroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onesixone-ventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/161ventures -
When it comes to fundraising, storytelling is a crucial element that can make or break a founder’s success. It goes beyond presenting information and numbers; it’s about creating a narrative that captivates investors and showcases the potential of the opportunity. Black founders should leverage their unique experiences and perspectives to craft a powerful story that resonates with investors, highlighting their journey, the problem they’re solving, and the impact they can make can help differentiate them in a crowded market.
In this episode we sit with James Norman, co-founder Black Ops, who shares valuable insights on building successful tech companies and raising venture capital as a black founder. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the power of a compelling narrative when pitching to investors. James also offers advice on navigating the fundraising process and highlights the need for black founders to focus on building a strong network and finding mentors who can provide guidance and support. Overall, he provides valuable advice for black founders looking to succeed in the tech industry.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
James Norman is a serial entrepreneur who built his first company at the age of 16, an aftermarket automotive e-commerce site called MJH Sound.com. While previously he may have been known as a visionary in automotive product planning, over the past 7 years in the media and entertainment industry he has become a thought leader in over-the-top media and consumer video consumption behaviors. His latest venture is Pilotly, a consumer insights platform that enables content creators to get feedback from audiences at scale.
Time Stamps:
02:25 Introduction and background of James Norman
10:02 Hiring the right engineer to build a product
13:46 The continuous learning process in technology
15:09 Funding challenges for non-profit organizations
17:27 How Black Ops program born out of the experience of founder support
21:13 Shifting power dynamics when fundraising as a founder
24:39 Building a Strong VC Network
26:11 Articulating the unique value and experience of the fund
30:38 Considerations for fund size and raising a first fund
33:19 Financial modeling and decision-making for portfolio construction
35:05 Importance of having a term sheet to raise a Series A
36:21 The power of storytelling in convincing investors and supporters
41:25 Addressing Gaps in Accelerators for Black Founders
46:21 What is coming up in the 2024
Resources
Company website: https://www.blackopsvc.com/
Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-ops-vc/
LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/BlackOpsVC -
Today we sit with Roberto Ibarra, co-founder and CTO of Expediente Azul. Roberto shares how he transitioned from a software development company to building a product-focused business, driven by the need to solve a specific problem in the financial sector. Expediente Azul streamlines the loan onboarding process by automating the collection and verification of documents and data. As the platform evolves, it focuses on extracting data directly from reliable sources and creating documentation from that data. The ultimate vision is to create a digital marketplace for lenders to share opportunities and data, fostering trust and speeding up loan processes globally.
As Expediente Azul gained traction and more customers, the team realized that the real value lay not in the documents themselves, but in the data they contained. Financial institutions didn’t want the documents; they wanted the data for analysis. This realization led to a shift in focus from gathering documents to extracting and utilizing the data within them. The platform began integrating with third-party tools that connected to tax authorities’ databases, allowing for the extraction of accurate and up-to-date income data directly from the source. This eliminated the need for customers to provide physical or scanned copies of their tax records. Instead, the platform automatically retrieved the necessary data, ensuring its accuracy and reducing the risk of fraud
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Roberto Carlos Ibarra Rabadán entered the world of computing over 25 years ago assembling and selling personal computers. He went on to start a software development services company called Innox, being the 9th company in Mexico with a CMMI 4 quality rating (military/medical grade) with over 70 employees which was sold in 2013. Later, Roberto developed various apps with millions of downloads, two of them nominated the best in the world during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. During his sabbatical year, Roberto created the podcast Vidaentrepeneur.com where he interviewed over 290 Latin American inspiring entrepreneurs. Today he is the founder of the Fintech company Expediente Azul or Blue File in English, a software platform that simplifies the document-gathering process for large loans and other KYC processes currently operating in Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Perú, the Caribbean, and South East Asia. Roberto was educated by the Tec de Monterrey, IPADE Business School, Harvard, and Oxford and was nominated by CNN as one of Mexico’s 30 promises as well as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Time Stamps:
03:07 Introduction and background of Roberto Ibarra
05:37 Transition from software development to a product Company
08:14 Finding a Problem worth solving
13:55 Scaling loan brokerage business with automation
18:07 Product evolution from document gathering to data sharing
26:27 Countries Expediente Azul operating today
27:46 Bringing in the right talent to build the initial version
30:38 Investing in sales over tech
33:32 The importance of thinking beyond the happy path
37:04 Building a lean and efficient tech team
42:02 Building a multilingual platform
44:23 Funding journey and resourcefulness
49:21 How to get in contact with the Expediente Azul teamResources
Company website: https://bluefile.expedienteazul.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xpazul/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xpAzul]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AzulExpediente
Email: [email protected] -
Chandler Malone is a startup founder and entrepreneur in the technology space. He has a background in venture capital and has worked at various firms, including iSelect Fund and Atento Capital. Chandler co-founded the software company Boot Up, which focuses on workforce development and upskilling retail workers for technical roles. He recently launched a new company called Path AI with his partner Chris Gray, which aims to provide AI-powered career mentorship and job search tools.
In this episode, we interview Chandler Malone, a startup founder and entrepreneur in the technology space. Chandler shares his background and journey, from his early entrepreneurial experiences in college to his work in venture capital and the launch of his own companies. He discusses his latest venture, Path AI, which focuses on providing AI-powered career mentorship and job search tools. Chandler also shares insights and tips for founders, including fundraising strategies and the importance of metrics and communication skills.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:Chandler has been focused on helping people reach their economic potential throughout his entire career via his work at Bootup and The Family. In Chandler’s 3 years as the CEO of Bootup, the company helped thousands of people get their first jobs in tech for over $200M in annualized salaries at companies like JP Morgan Chase, Home Depot, Mailchimp, Cerner, and more. Chandler is also founder of The Family, a venture studio focused on Black and Brown founders. Over the past 4 years, The Family has invested in 10 Black and Brown founders with an estimated market cap of over $300M.
Time Stamps:
02:43 Introduction and background of Chandler Malone
06:23 Challenges of startup fundraising
08:49 Transition from working at Tinto Capital and Launching Boot Up
11:29 Introduction to Path AI and the need for AI tools in the hiring process
15:37 Advantage of AI advisors for specific industries
18:44 Advantages of sourcing talent from South America
23:22 Incorporation of AI into the product using OpenAI, Anthropic, and Llama2
25:24 Importance of delivering value and creating awareness for customers
26:46 Looking for people who care about helping others and economic mobility
29:30 Funding journey: self-funded, upcoming funding round
32:53 Finding investors with expertise in the relevant industry
33:55 Selecting the most compelling and honest metrics for investors
35:15 Communication with partners, associates, and analysts in the funding process
38:13 How to get in contact with Path AI team and whats coming new in 2024Resources
Company website: https://yourpath.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourpathai/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourpath.ai/
Other: https://www.thefamily.studio/ -
In this episode, we interview Stacy Spikes, the founder of MoviePass, about his background in the entertainment industry and the journey of building a successful tech company. Spikes shares his experience in the music and film sectors, his motivation for creating MoviePass, and the challenges he faced in the movie industry. He explains how MoviePass works as a subscription-based service that allows moviegoers to save money on tickets and provides insights into the technology behind the platform. Spikes also discusses his passion for supporting underrepresented filmmakers and the impact of MoviePass on the movie industry.
Unlike streaming services that dominate the entertainment industry, MoviePass focuses solely on the physical movie theater experience. By offering a subscription service, MoviePass aims to eliminate the need for studios to constantly reacquire customers through advertising, ultimately doubling the size of the movie industry. The platform provides customers with a virtual card in the app, which they can use to purchase tickets either online or in person. This flexibility allows moviegoers to choose from a wide range of theaters and enjoy significant savings on their movie tickets.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Stacy Spikes is an award-winning entrepreneur and inventor who USA Today named one of the 21 most influential Blacks in technology. He holds several technology patents and is the co-founder and CEO of the nation’s first theatrical subscription service, MoviePass. In addition, Spikes is the founder of Urbanworld, the largest international festival dedicated to nurturing Women and BIPOC filmmakers. Spikes is the author of a business memoir titled Black Founder, The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider on Kensington Press.
Time Stamps:
03:00 Introduction and background of Stacy Spikes
04:50 Solving the pain point of movie exposure
06:45 Revolutionizing moviegoing experience with subscription services
09:17 Flexible movie ticket credits with MoviePass
12:15 Building a technology platform: from concept to execution
15:17 Finding the right tech hubs
19:55 The evolution of Dev shops
24:06 Getting the word out and acquiring new customers
26:29 Overcoming barriers to entry in the movie theater industry
28:20 Creating an innovative OTT platform
31:54 Stages of fundraising and how to find demand for your product
34:38 Stacy's new Book: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider
36:37 What coming new and how to get in contact with the MoviePass team
Resources
Company website: https://www.moviepass.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/moviepass
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moviepass-inc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviepass
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Today we sit with Luis Suarez, the founder of Sanarai, a startup focused on increasing access to high-quality mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking community. Originally from Mexico City, Luis moved to the US to pursue his MBA at Duke University. After struggling to find mental health support in Spanish during the COVID-19 pandemic, Luis recognized the need for better resources for the Latino community. With Sanarai, he aims to bridge the gap and provide culturally sensitive mental health services to Spanish speakers.
Luis shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind starting Sanarai. He highlights the significant gap in mental health services for the Latino population, with only 5% of mental health professionals speaking Spanish despite 13% of the population being Spanish speakers. He shares how they have built a two-sided marketplace connecting patients with mental health providers, focusing on relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and more. The team has leveraged resources like Google for Startups to grow their platform and ensure the highest quality of care for their users.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Luis Emilio Suarez pursued his education at Colegio Vista Hermosa, and later attended Universidad Politécnica de Madrid from 2006 to 2011, where he obtained a degree in Mining and Energy Engineering. He then went on to study at Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business from 2015 to 2017, and received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).
Luis has an extensive work history starting from 2010, when he worked as a Project Engineer at Soletanche Bachy. He worked as a Contract Manager at SENER from 2012 to 2016, and in 2016 he became an MBA Summer Intern at Kearney. He was later promoted to Management Consultant in 2017. Most recently, in 2020, he founded Sanarai and became its CEO.
Time Stamps:
02:51 Introduction and background of Luis Suarez
06:40 Challenges of serving the Latino market and expanding to Central and South America
09:46 Sanarai as a two-sided marketplace for mental health services
11:04 B2B2C model and partnerships with companies and community organizations
12:00 Strategy for creating and filling demand for therapists
14:20 Matching patients with therapists based on specialties
16:37 Building the technology for the platform started with an MVP.
18:54 How proven interest from therapists and clients led to building a customized platform.
20:20 Focusing on quality of mental health providers rather than the technology.
23:00 What does the Sanarai team look like today
26:32 How does Sanarai’s work mode work
29:27 Explaining 1871 as an incubator and shared space for startups
30:52 Sanarai experience with Google for Startups program
33:03 Funding and resources offered by Google for Startups
35:24 How to get in contact with the Sanarai teamResources
Company website: https://www.sanarai.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanaraizen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanaraizen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanaraizen/ -
In this episode we sit with Veronica Crisafuli, the founder and CEO of Mo Technologies. Veronica shares her journey from a career in consulting to becoming an entrepreneur in the fintech industry. She discusses the problem she identified in the financial ecosystem - the lack of access to formal credit for a large portion of the global population. Veronica explains how she bridged the gap between her consulting background and the fintech industry by leveraging her knowledge of technology and her passion for financial inclusion. She introduces Mo Technologies, a fintech company that offers a credit core platform to enable clients to launch, operate, and scale their credit products. Veronica also highlights the importance of data and artificial intelligence in the underwriting process and discusses the competitive landscape in the fintech industry, including traditional banks and other fintech startups.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Veronica Crisafuli is the CEO and Co-founder at MO Technologies. A creative mind that focuses on innovation in the digital space and financial inclusion. She worked as a strategic consultant for more than 15 years for important consulting companies dedicated to TMT and financial services, such as Bain & Company, Delta Partners, and Mastercard Advisor, where she led projects in South Africa, Argentina, United Kingdom, Brazil, Turkey, Czech Republic, Spain, and Colombia. Veronica started her entrepreneurial path on 2016, when she co-founded MO Technologies, a fintech that developed a patent-pending proprietary credit scoring technology based on machine learning, artificial intelligence and all cloud-based with a dream to democratize access to credit all around the world. As of July 27th, 2021, Veronica was appointed CEO at fintech MO. Additionally, from 2020 she co-founded KEO World: a fintech in the pure lending space.
She has been named one of the 10 Most Successful Businesswoman to Watch 2020 by CIOlook, and recently highlighted as one of the 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021. Beyond Exclamation also named her one of the 10 Most Successful Women Renewing the Future in Technology, 2021.Time Stamps:
03:15 Introduction and background of Veronica Crisafuli
06:47 Identifying the pain point in the financial ecosystem
09:35 Developing the software-based solution for credit issuance
12:32 Business model: Charging based on the amount of credit offered
15:46 Modular platform allowing customization for clients
18:55 Facing competition from both large financial institutions and fintech startups.
22:15 Collaborative models between big institutions and fintechs accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
25:30 Scalling the product, focusing on the Latin America Market
27:07 Incorporating AI and machine learning in underwriting and data analysis.
28:47 Criteria for hiring technical roles
33:28 Remote work and finding tech talent in Latin America
38:46 Challenges in fundraising and adapting to market conditions
41:40 Changing fundraising strategies for a sustainable business
43:32 How to get in contact with the Mo Technologies Team
ResourcesCompany website: https://www.wearemo.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoTecnologias
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo.cmp/ -
In this episode we sit with David Silva, a Colombian entrepreneur and community builder. David shares his background growing up in Cali, Colombia, surrounded by a vibrant community of artists, politicians, and intellectuals. He discusses his journey from studying software engineering to becoming a software engineer and eventually transitioning into the startup world. David also talks about the importance of community and how he founded Techqueria, a community for Latino individuals interested in tech.
The conversation then shifts to David's current venture, AWSM (“Awesome”), a venture studio focused on launching 100 startups in five years. David explains the need for more Latino leaders in the tech industry and the importance of funding and supporting underrepresented founders. He also discusses the challenges faced by Latino entrepreneurs and the need for mentorship and support networks.
Throughout the episode, David emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and empowering each other. He shares his vision for creating a strong network of Latino leaders and supporting startups in highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare. David also highlights the potential of Latin American talent and the need for international collaboration in the tech ecosystem.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.Founder Bio:
David Silva is a multi-faceted professional with a rich history of tech and business community contributions. David's diverse career is marked by innovation and leadership. He currently serves as the founder of Calima which is a dynamic executive community that fosters international business collaboration. Calima provides a unique platform that connects Latin American executives in the US and abroad both online and in physical spaces. In addition, To his work at Calima. David holds the position of CTO at AWSM awesome. His role involves deploying complex teams of business owners to efficiently launch innovative ideas with a particular focus on the accelerator community: community engagement, FinTech, and healthcare. David's commitment to creating inclusive and supportive communities extends to his role as the founder of the tech area.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and background of David Silva
03:50 Getting into startups and learning new skills
06:47 Importance of learning management skills for engineers
09:21 Building the TechArea community
11:44 Empowering members to create their own events
13:14 Different key positions in the tech ecosystem
14:33 Disparity in funding opportunities for Latino and Black communities
17:38 Need to create more mentors and support networks
19:56 Working on launching 100 startups in five years
22:24 Different types of startup studios and incubators
25:10 International expansion without geographic restrictions
27:37 Attractiveness of living and working in Latin America
31:10 Introduction of a secret executive community for events and networking
34:14 Introduction of the Calima community with cultural significance
38:00 How to get in contact with the AWSM teamResources
Company website: https://awsm.vc/; https://caliman.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/awsmvc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awsmvc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awsmvc/ -
In today's fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, and consumers are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets. However, this obsession with newness has led to a significant amount of electronic waste, as people discard their old devices in favor of the latest models. ZeluCash recognized this wasteful trend and saw an opportunity to create a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Today we sit with Lucas Keen, the founder of ZeluCash, an Argentinean startup that specializes in the recommerce industry. With an MBA in Argentina and a background in startups, Lucas has extensive experience in the e-commerce and technology sectors. He launched ZeluCash in 2015 to address the wastage of valuable technology, such as smartphones, by creating a trading program where customers can trade in their old devices for new ones. Lucas is passionate about the circular economy and believes in giving products a second life.
Keen discusses the growth of the recommerce industry in Latin America and the impact of his company's trading program. He explains how ZeluCash allows customers to trade in their old smartphones for new ones, providing a more affordable option and reducing electronic waste. Lucas also highlights the importance of trust and transparency in the recommerce market and the role of technology in facilitating the buying and selling process. He shares his plans for expanding into Mexico and Chile and the potential for growth in the region.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.Founder Bio:
Lucas Keen has 16 years of experience managing digital business in Latam.
He performed as a Sales Manager for 6 years at DineroMail (acquired by PayU in 2012) From 2011 to 2014 he was Country manager and investor at Ticketbis, European ticket exchange platform sold to eBay. He earned his MBA from IAE (Business school of Austral University) in Argentina.
Time Stamps:
02:57 Introduction and background of Lucas Keen
07:50 Initial challenges faced by ZeluCash
10:45 Expansion of ZeluCash product offerings
12:57 Zelu Cash’s impact on the market in Argentina
14:10 Embracing the circular economy concept
16:48 Using own and third-party technologies for flexibility and efficiency.
19:44 Finding the right developers to build out the product
22:00 Using a recruiting agency to improve the quality of talent and freelancers for projects.
24:50 Buying, pricing and selling based on daily market scans and phone conditions.
29:42 Leveraging retail companies for marketing on the buying side.
32:09 Implementing cost-saving processes with technology
34:08 Ensuring trust through software verification and customer reviews
36:11 Potential growth in the recommerce market in Latin America
39:26 How to get in contact with the ZeluCash teamResources
Company website: https://zelucash.com/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZELUCASH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zelucashlatam/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zelucash/
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Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Camille Padilla, the co-founder of Vodium, a groundbreaking platform that has introduced the world's first virtual teleprompter. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Vodium operates as a transparent app seamlessly integrated into video conferences, enhancing the virtual communication experience. With Vodium, Camille and her team aim to bring back the sense of genuine human connection in the digital realm by helping users maintain eye contact and communicate with confidence.
Before her entrepreneurial venture with Vodium, Camille served as the vice president at a top boutique political media firm based in Los Angeles. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional skills as an operator and creative thinker, managing operations and budgets for multimillion-dollar ad campaigns. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in her leadership style, actively advocating for employees from diverse backgrounds and ensuring an inclusive and empowering workplace.
In this thought leadership article, we will explore Camille's innovative journey with Vodium, her experience in the political media landscape, and her commitment to fostering diversity and creativity in the workplace. We will delve into the main themes discussed in the podcast and analyze their implications and potential impact on the future of virtual communication.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Before launching VODIUM, Camille was Vice President at one of the top boutique political media firms. She likes to say she’s a conundrum because she’s a skilled operator and creative. Camille ran all the operations and budgets for multi-million-dollar ad campaigns. But she also wrote, directed, and produced national TV commercials. The idea of VODIUM came to her while she was conducting a video shoot over Zoom, and the first person she had to call was her best friend and roommate, Mary Mellor. Now VODIUM has been operational for three years.
Time Stamps:
03:02 Camille's Journey and the Birth of Vodium
09:18 Importance of Eye Contact in Virtual Communication
13:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Building Vodium
17:11 The Role of AI in Vodium
23:01 The Importance of Soft Skills in Virtual Communication
25:49 The Challenges of Building a Tech Startup
29:05 Securing Initial Investment and Finding a Development Firm
31:46 The Trade-off Between Hiring Developers vs. Software Development Shop
35:20 Navigating the Enterprise Market
38:12 The Decision to Partner with Avanade
45:38 The Journey to Raising 2 Million in Funding
50:34 How to get in contact with the Vodium team, future Plans and Final ThoughtsResources
Company website: https://vodium.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vodium_com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vodium-com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vodium_com -
In this episode, we interview Aaron Samuels, the Managing Partner, and Co-Founder of Collide Capital, a venture capital fund that invests primarily in black, Latin, and female founders. He has a diverse background, having worked as a spoken word artist, strategy consultant, product manager, and co-founder of Blavity, a media company focused on black culture and news.
Aaron Samuels shares his journey from being a spoken word artist to becoming a fund manager at Collide Capital. He discusses the structural obstacles faced by underrepresented founders in the tech industry and how his experiences at Blavity led him to start a venture capital fund. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, passion, and the ability to build teams when evaluating startups. He also explains Collide Capital's investment focus on software, including enterprise, SaaS, fintech infrastructure, supply chain, and gen Z productivity. Aaron highlights the value-add services provided by Collide Capital, including their willingness to go the extra mile for their founders. He also shares insights on raising a fund, the importance of finding the right investors, and the need for a well-researched approach when pitching to LPs.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Aaron Samuels is Founder and Managing Partner of Collide Capital. Prior to Collide Capital, Aaron began his career as a spoken word artist before working at Bain & Co. as a strategy consultant and TeleSign as a Product Manager. Combining his love for storytelling, strategy, and technology, Aaron co-founded and served as COO at Blavity, the largest global Black Media company, and AfroTech, the largest Black Tech conference in the world.
Time Stamps:
02:48 Background of Aaron and Collide Capital
04:43 Realization of structural barriers for underrepresented founders
08:44 Creating Collide Capital to invest in underrepresented founders
10:41 Blending operational and investment expertise at Collide Capital
12:28 Valuing collaboration and teamwork in founders
14:48 Founding companies out of passion, not logic or reason.
17:04 Seed stage investments focus on scaling existing solutions.
19:01 Chek size that best fit for new founders
20:57 Focusing on software, enterprise, SaaS, fintech, supply chain, and Gen Z productivity.
23:13 Value-added service is the founders' support and involvement.
25:05 Journey and comparison in raising funds to raise as a startup
28:31 Researching potential investors, convincing them that you're the best person for the job.
31:45 Considering fund size and track record when raising fund one
33:56 Looking for positive signs of success when investing in seed
35:25 How to get in contact with the Collide Capital team
Resources
Company website: https://www.collidecap.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollideCapital
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collidecapital/about/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collidecapital/
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In this episode, we sit down with Shani Dowell, the founder of Possip, a groundbreaking platform that bridges the gap between parents and schools to enhance student outcomes. Dowell takes us on her inspiring journey, from her background in consulting to her passion for education and the founding of Possip in 2016.
Join us as Dowell discusses the challenges faced in improving student outcomes and explores the vital role parents and teachers play in achieving this goal. We delve into the future of education and the profound impact technology has on the industry. Dowell also shares insights on fundraising and emphasizes the significance of finding the right investors for long-term success.
Discover how Possip empowers parents by providing a platform for valuable feedback to schools. With its inclusive approach, more than half of the feedback received is in languages other than English, ensuring accessibility for non-English speaking parents. Through open-ended sentiment questions, parents can express praise, seek answers to questions, or voice concerns. The technology organizes this qualitative data into subcategories, offering quantitative insights without sacrificing the richness of feedback. The collected data facilitates decision-making at the district level, and schools receive tailored recommendations based on the feedback.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Shani Dowell is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in technology and education. As the founder of Possip, her work helps revolutionize how schools and districts engage with their families, students and staff. A former middle school Math teacher, Shani started her career as a consultant at Bain & Co. and helped launch the Boston office of the Posse Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to increase student retention and engagement on college campuses. Shani has also worked for education organizations across the country - seeking to create the strongest school possible for students, families, staff, and the broader community. Shani earned her BA at Howard University in Washington, DC, and her MBA at Stanford University.
Time Stamps:
03:08 Introduction to Shani Dowell's background
07:34 Paint point that led to the idea for Possip
09:21 The challenges of improving student outcomes
12:41 The role of technology in education
14:59 Use of text prompts and web links for parent engagement
16:56 Importance of building something you understand
19:56 Finding the right tech developer
21:16 Leveraging strengths in tech
24:08 Getting customers and understanding the education market
25:58 Finding the right price point for Possip
27:59 Business model and pricing
32:52 Fundraising journey and the importance of finding the right investors
35:40 Best fit investors for Possip
37:57 What’s coming next for Possip
39:56 How to get in contact with the Possip team
Resources:
Company website: https://possip.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/possipit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/possipit/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PossipIt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/possip/
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In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mariana, a Peruvian entrepreneur, and her mission to promote diversity and create opportunities in the world of technology. Join us as we explore the origins of Laboratoria, a tech-based education and job placement company founded by Mariana and her partner. After returning to Peru to marry and start a business, Mariana's passion for merging technology and social impact led to the birth of Laboratoria. Discover how Laboratoria's goal to provide tech education, job placement, and mentorship for underprivileged youth has transformed the lives of disadvantaged young people, fostering inclusion and diversity in the tech sector.
As Laboratoria's web shop thrived, Mariana and her partner faced a significant challenge in building a diverse team of software developers. Recognizing the scarcity of such talent and the lack of diversity in the field, they seized the opportunity to empower women in tech. Hear Mariana's firsthand experiences of attending male-dominated tech meetups and the inspiration behind creating Labia, a boot camp designed to equip women with the skills needed to embark on successful careers in software development.
Join us as Mariana reflects on the changing landscape of software engineering in Peru and the positive impact that Laboratoria and Labia have had in bridging the gender gap. Learn how they have shattered stereotypes and inspired thousands of women to pursue careers in tech, creating a more inclusive and vibrant future.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Mariana is the co-founder and President at Laboratoria, an organization empowering women who dream of a better future to start and grow careers in technology. Running bootcamp programs for women across Latin America, Laboratoria is helping shape a more diverse, inclusive, and competitive digital economy in the Region that can create opportunities for every woman to develop her potential. For her work as a social entrepreneur Mariana has received multiple recognitions, including being named one of Peru's leading innovators by the MIT, and one of the world’s most influential women by the BBC. She holds a BSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York.
Time Stamps:
03:06 Mariana’s background and professional journey
05:17 Starting a web shop and discovering the world of software development
07:57 Exploring the need for diverse tech talent in Peru
10:58 Software development: the immersive boot camp program
14:33 Benefits of the women in tech program bootcamp
17:15 Types of customers and companies hiring Laboratoria alumni
18:39 Laboratoria business model for job placement boot camps
22:33 Laboratoria metrics and use of technology
24:10 Using technology to educate women in tech and incorporating it into business
28:12 Challenges of attracting tech talent for nonprofit education services company
30:26 Laboratoria upcoming plans for 2023
32:27 Skilling up women in AI and data science
34:25 How to get in contact with the Laboratoria team
Resources:
Company website: https://www.laboratoria.la/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laboratoriala/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/laboratoria/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laboratoriala
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In this episode we sit with Kerry Schrader, the co-founder of Mixtroz, a former HR executive with extensive experience in people management, who shares her journey of creating Mixtroz alongside her daughter, to address the challenge of making authentic connections at events. Kerry explores the origins of Mixtroz and the inspiration behind their innovative concept of "mixed introduction." She discuss the common issues faced by individuals at events, both before and during the pandemic, where making genuine connections with strangers seemed daunting. She also sheds light on how her passion for social engagement led her to create Mixtroz, events designed to foster meaningful conversations and connections.
The conversation takes an exciting turn as Kerry delves into the importance of meaningful connections in today's society, whether in-person or in virtual settings. Kerry shares the premise of Mixtroz and how their technology-driven platform aids individuals in making these connections effortlessly. She emphasizes that attending an event is only the first step while building relationships and having meaningful conversations is the other half of the equation. Kerry reveals how Mixtroz helps bridge this gap, allowing people to connect with those who truly matter.
As the discussion continues, Kerry highlights the prevalent tendency of individuals to stick to familiar faces at events, neglecting the opportunity to meet new people. Kerry elaborates on the idea behind launching Mixtures, a software platform specifically designed to assist event leaders in facilitating meaningful engagement. She emphasizes that while Mixtures isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, it serves as a valuable tool to help individuals forge deeper connections and foster a sense of community.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Kerry Schrader BBA, MBA, is the co-founder/CEO of Mixtroz. She is the 37th Black Female to ever raise over $1M in pre-seed funding. Kerry has more than 25 years of experience positively impacting the human assets of large companies including Ford, Alcoa, and Sears Holdings Corporation. Mrs. Schrader is a former board member of Creative Startups, Birmingham’s Inaugural Mayor’s Small Business Council, and UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Advisory Board. She is currently a board member of the Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. In addition to being included in Inc. Magazine’s 2022 100 Female Founders list, Kerry and her daughter were named “Powerful Women” by Entrepreneur Magazine on their inaugural list and Kerry has been included in Forbes Next 1000. Most importantly, however, KERRY is a breast cancer survivor!
Time Stamps:
03:13 Kerry’s background and professional journey
05:34 Pain point on live events that led to creating Mixtroz
09:00 Maximizing engagement at events
11:10 Mixtroz technology for event organizers
13:24 Utilizing Mixtroz data to increase engagement
16:10 Event Planning and Targeting Customers
18:53 Power of Meaningful Social Connectivity in Mental Health Awareness
20:52 Enhancing Engagement in Virtual Events with Mixtroz Platform
24:41 Building an Engaging Event Platform27:16 Journey of Bootstrapping and Fundraising for a Startup
32:58 Barriers to Raise Capital as a Black Female Founder
36:55 Overcoming Challenges to Launch a Tech Startup
41:32 Conversation on Supporting Black Companies and Female Founders
44:48 How to get in contact with the Mixtroz team
Resources:
Company website: https://www.mixtroz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixtroz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixtroz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mixtroz
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In this episode, we sit with Sheridan Claybourne, an entrepreneur whose journey began at the age of 15 with a passion for startups and a knack for making profits. Discover how Sheridan's early success in acquiring and selling sneakers led him to launch his own company, Lendtable, and embark on a remarkable entrepreneurial career. Sheridan shares his experiences working in the finance industry, including stints at renowned firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs. Tune in as he discusses his decision to leave these prestigious positions behind in pursuit of creating startups that could address the flaws he observed in the existing financial landscape. Learn how he identified opportunities to generate outside returns and provide non-accredited investors access to private equity funds through his FinTech ventures.
Explore Sheridan's diverse background, from working at a credit-boosting startup to becoming a machine learning product manager at Dropbox. Find out why he ultimately decided to forge his own path and how his varied experiences equipped him with the necessary skills to launch Lendtable. Discover how this platform is revolutionizing the way small and medium-sized businesses access financial services.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Sheridan is Co-Founder & CEO of Lendtable - the first platform for providing "wealth-building loans". Born in Chicago, Sheridan was the youngest African-American to ever get into Northwestern at age 15. Since enrolling in school, he built his first business (Snatcher - automatically buying and selling limited edition items/tickets) to $10million+ in revenue in 3 years. During which, he spent time working at Goldman and J.P. Morgan in their Special Situations Group. This ignited his passion for fintech and creating financial equality for all people. In its first 3 months, Lendtable raised $1million+.
Time Stamps:
03:13 Sheridan’s background and professional journey
07:41 Exploring the possibilities of fintech to create a positive impact
10:59 Exploring wealth-building loans for 401k match and employee benefits
12:26 Benefits of debt financing for wealth building
14:35 Exploring guaranteed returns and artificial intelligence in financial platforms
16:46 Collecting data and leveraging third-party vendors
18:54 Direct-to-consumer 401k matching services
20:08 Significance of user interface and user experience in consumer-facing technology
21:21 Collaboration between co-founders to create a fintech business
25:43 Team makeup, fundraising journey, and learnings raising capital for a start-up
29:44 Seed and pre-seed round investment considerations for a startup
30:03 Identifying the best investors for a startup
32:13 Generating wealth through referrals and word of mouth
34:51 What’s next for the Lendtable team
35:54 How to get in contact with the Lendtable team
Resources:
Company website: https://www.lendtable.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lendtable/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lendtable/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lendtable
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lendtable
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In this episode we sit with Harold Hughes, the founder & CEO of Bandwagon, Harold shares his journey from being a first-generation American in South Carolina to becoming a tech entrepreneur in Austin, Texas. Inspired by his experiences at Radio Shack and driven by a passion for uniting people, Harold founded Bandwagon — a technology-based solution to break down barriers and foster community through the love of sports.
We delve into the concept of affinity groups and community building, exploring how technology can be harnessed to create meaningful connections among people from diverse backgrounds. Their platform allows fans to access exclusive content, join fan clubs, and celebrate their favorite teams, regardless of geographical limitations. Discover how Harold's vision bridges gaps and builds a stronger community, empowering individuals to engage, support, and understand one another better.
In addition to Bandwagon, Harold discusses his latest innovation, Poet (Proof of Experience Token). Poet allows artists and athletes to invite their fans to submit content directly to their pages, with commercial rights belonging to the creators themselves. This innovative approach empowers entertainers and athletes to control their brand while enabling fans to share their experiences and build deeper connections with their favorite icons.
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.
Founder Bio:
Harold Hughes is the founder & CEO of Bandwagon, a South Carolina-based live experience technology company. Under his leadership, Bandwagon has raised more than $3M in venture capital and successfully acquired IdealSeat, Inc. in 2020. Their customers include Fortune 50 brands, entertainers, as well as professional and collegiate athletes. As a first-generation American, Harold prioritized education, receiving two bachelor's degrees (Economics and Political Science) from Clemson University and later received his MBA from Clemson while he led business development at a Fortune 1000 company based in Greenville, South Carolina. As a web3 builder and community leader, Harold published "A Kids Book About Blockchain" to help educate people "from 6 to 60" about the revolutionary technology that Bandwagon specializes in. To that end, Harold is also an active angel investor, primarily investing in women, people of color, and Black founder-led companies. Most notably, he has invested in Partake Foods, the Jay-Z-backed CPG company making allergy-friendly snacks, and companies like Goodr, Chipper, Athletic Greens, Republic, Stix, and the National Cycling League.
Time Stamps:
03:18 Harold’s background and professional journey
05:31 Exploring the pain point behind Bandwagon fan club
08:05 Benefits of poet and fan club for artists and fans
11:50 Exploring the benefits of using Poet for content creation and monetization
14:47 Benefits of connecting fans and artists through data
17:55 Leveraging blockchain technology to build value in an ecosystem
22:06 Building a blockchain platform
24:47 Recruiting and go-to-market strategy for blockchain-based platform
28:19 Value propositions and benefits of token access for artists and entertainment brands
31:03 Data analysis and funding for expansion of the brand
32:29 Leveraging social capital for successful fundraising
36:19 Potential of proof of experience technology
38:18 Discussing Bandwagon's product roadmap and connecting with fans
39:37 How to get in contact with the Bandwagon team
Resources:
Company website: https://bandwagonfanclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtxbandwagon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/builtxbandwagon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bandwagon-fan-club/
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